Chris Nial
Training Specialist

Chris Nial has been working in peer support since 2020 in a variety of capacities including Soteria house, Pathways community center, the Vermont statewide warmline, Rosewood Cottage, a peer respite, and advocacy and education for those involuntarily hospitalized with MadFreedom Advocates.  He also serves as a board member of Alyssum, Vermont's oldest standing Peer Respite.  He has his own experience navigating extreme states while receiving peer support from a family member, and is incredibly passionate about seeing similar opportunities become available to others who may be navigating unique times of challenge or confusion in their lives.  He believes in the power of possibilities, exploring relationships, and connection as the foundation of his work.  Chris identifies as a proud mad activist, who has gained much wisdom and strength from times of challenge, and rejects notions of illness or recovery that are at times attempted to be thrust upon him.